Cardiovascular Disease in the Elderly

Rosaire Gray and Louise Pack

Description

The population is aging, and most cardiovascular diseases are more common in older people. Older people often present atypically, have multiple co-morbidities, and are vulnerable to therapeutic delays or errors. The healthcare needs of the elderly differ from those of younger patients and are more complex, related to the physical and psychological changes associated with ageing and other disease processes in the elderly population. In addition, the response to treatment may alter with ageing, yet many elderly patients with cardiovascular disease are not looked after by specialists.

Cardiovascular Disease in the Elderly provides user-friendly advice in a field that has limited evidence but contributes significantly to the workload not only of cardiologists
but also of elderly care physicians and general practitioners. It reflects current UK and international guidelines and provides key evidence based references. Wherever possible, published guidelines are incorporated to ensure the book reflects current recommended management. It indicates where practice differs from that of younger adults, and provides guidance on the ethical and clinical dilemmas particular to the elderly. The handbook covers many aspects of cardiovascular disease in the elderly and focuses on common problems, including heart failure, atrial fibrillation and isolated systolic hypertension.

Cardiovascular Disease in the Elderly

Rosaire Gray and Louise Pack

Author Information

Dr. Rosaire Gray is a Consultant Physician in General Medicine, Cardiology and Care of Older People at the Whittington Hospital, London and Honorary Senior Lecturer, Department of Medicine, Archway Campus, Whittington Hospital, University College London. Her interests include cardiovascular disease in the elderly, syncope and unexplained falls and postural instability. She completed an MD and PhD in cardiovascular research and has presented at cardiovascular meetings in UK, Europe and the USA and at physiological society meetings. She is actively involved in teaching and training undergraduates and postgraduates and professions allied to medicine.

Dr. Louise Pack has been a Consultant Elderly Medicine Physician since 2008, initially as a locum at Homerton
University Hospital then at Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals Trust from June 2009. She completed a Masters in Medical Education at Nottingham University (2008) and is actively involved in teaching and training undergraduates (BSMS), postgraduates and professions allied to medicine. Her particular interests include falls and dementia in the elderly.